The best bars in Amsterdam, The Netherlands...

Amsterdam really is a city that has something for everybody; from historic "brown bar" pubs, old distillery tasting rooms and modern microbreweries to the infamous "coffeeshop" hash bars and 24 hour nightclubs, not to mention some of the best cocktail bars in the world.

Most Amsterdam bars usually remain open until midnight or 01:00 during the week and 02:00 or 03:00 at weekends. Nightclubs usually close around 04:00 or 05:00

Whilst Amsterdam is divided by many canals, it can still be explored very easily by foot

Nearly all the bars in Amsterdam offer local beers including Heineken and Amstel, alongside craft ales

Although it actually originates from Belgium and elsewhere in Holland, you will find many genever and gin bars in Amsterdam, with the historic liquor available in almost every bar

Despite its connection with Van Gogh, there are no absinthe bars in Amsterdam. You can however find a bottle or two in some venues

Nearly all Amsterdam bars accept payment by credit or debit card, some no longer accept cash

Because of the small size of most Amsterdam bars, groups are not welcome or are encouraged to book ahead

Staff in most Amsterdam bars speak fluent English and sometimes German

Smoking tobacco is only allowed in Amsterdam bars with separate smoking rooms, bizarrely that includes the 250 "coffeeshops" where you are allowed to smoke marijuana but not drink alcohol

"Bruine kroegs'' (brown bars) are traditional pubs so called for their tobacco stained roofs

"Proeflokaals" are small distillery or brewery tasting houses that often close early

This popular brewpub can be found in the same former bathhouse that also houses the original Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery, right underneath the Netherland's biggest wooden windmill. The brewery from Drukwerk musician Kasper Peterson was originally opened in 1985 and has since grown so popular in Amsterdam that production had to be shifted to larger premises with the old brewery exclusively producing ales for the bar. With a popular summer terrace it is open until 20:00 every day of the year, including holidays.

Since 2010, 't Nieuwe Diep have been distilling Genever and other liquors in the old water pumping station, which dates back to 1880 and is hidden in Amsterdam's pretty Flevopark, surrounded by a large pond, fruit trees and a herb garden. Using old boilers from the former Hesp Weesperzijde distillery alongside another inherited from the Bols company, they produce over 100 products all of which can be sampled in the Proeflokaal (tasting room) next door, along with other drinks. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 15:00 until 20:00 in Spring & Summer and 18:00 in Autumn and Winter. A real highlight of the Amsterdam drinking scene.

Stunningly presented innovative drinks, served in either vintage glassware or unique vessels, produce a serious wow factor that has seen Lydia Soedadi and Boudewijn Mesritz's amazing cocktail bar recognised as being one of the top 30 best bars in the world, just two years after opening in late 2012. Located in a five storey building, dating back to 1575 in Amsterdam's Red Light District, the interior is like a museum of bar paraphernalia and there's delicious food to match the drinks (or vice versa). Here. you will find what is probably Amsterdam's most expensive cocktail at €225; "The Way It Was" is made using Bacardi "Ron de Maestro" MMXII vintage rum, wildflower honey and original 100 year old Abbot's bitters. Smart dress code and over 21's only. Open until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Monday.

Possibly the most famous Proeflokaal (tasting room) in Amsterdam, this historic liqueur distillery dates back to 1679. Hidden in a small alley behind the National Monument on Dam Square, it continues to sell its 70 Dutch liqueurs and genevers, made using the same 17th Century traditional craft methods, including ‘Half en Half’ and ‘De Boswandeling’ (A Walk in the Woods), which have made Wynand Fockink world famous. A truly authentic experience, locals still keep the time honoured tradition of bowing to the drink, hands behind their back, and slurping the first sip from a traditional tulip glass. Only open from 15:00 until 21:00 with no more than seven people in the tiny bar at one time (1 hour Tastings are available for groups of 12 or more).

If you want to experience romantic Amsterdam, then take your pick from these two evening boat rides by the Holland International Canal Cruises company. Setting off from just outside Amsterdam Centraal Station, the cosily lit waterways provide the perfect backdrop for a two hour Dutch Cheese and Wine Cruise or a two hour Cocktail Cruise (both 21:00 daily). The platter of typical Dutch cheeses by Henri Willig's Cheese & More company comes with complimentary selected wines whilst the cocktail cruise includes two cocktails.

This beautiful old cafe plays home to an exclusively Dutch beer bar with over 30 cask ales on tap and more than 100 in bottles, all produced in the Netherlands. Celebrating everything Dutch, they also have a large selection of local ciders, liqueurs, whiskeys and over 40 gins. A waterfront terrace and a beer tasting room make it incredibly popular. Starting here, you can also do a bar crawl of all their four bars to get a free T-Shirt, with a choice of 135 tap beers; also taking in Beer Temple, Proeflokaal Jopen Amsterdam and Craft & Draft (below). Open daily until midnight (02:00 Friday & Saturday).

The most famous Dutch beer in the world was born in Amsterdam in 1864, long before James Bond started drinking it. Their first brewery in Amsterdam has been transformed into a fantastic interactive self guided tour. Following the tour, which lasts for approximately 1.5 hours, you can enjoy two beers at the bar. A longer VIP guided tour is also available which includes five premium beers, served in an exclusive bar with a selection of Dutch cheeses and bitterballen. Despite the obvious marketing, this is still a must-do when in Amsterdam. Open every day of the year, last entry at 19:30 Friday to Sunday (or every day in July & August) and 17:30 Monday - Wednesday.

Possibly the most beautiful club in Amsterdam, this stunning live music venue and nightclub was opened in 1968 inside an old church just off the vibrant Leidseplein. Check the line-up for big name international bands or the Club Paradiso agenda with various party nights offering indie, pop, dance hits, reggae, hip hop, funk, soul and disco. Club tickets range from €5 to €15+. Open until 05:00.

Westergasfabriek is a former gas works, dating back to 1885, which was turned into a beautiful culture park in 2003 with the thirteen historic Dutch Neo Renaissance style factory buildings being converted into very popular bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. In one of these, you will find this vibrant bar which specialises in the Dutch favourites, gin and Zeeland mussels. With a wonderful beer garden in which to enjoy them, there's craft beers from the local Two Chefs Brewing company and a wide choice of Gin & Tonics, which are even garnished with a mussel on the glass. Open until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Monday. [click here for all the other venues at Westergasfabriek]

This original all-in-one concept relocated in October 2015 to the gorgeous former Odeon theatre building, which dates back to 1662 and serves up a great night out, all inside one absolutely stunning venue. Rather fittingly, as the building once housed a brewery, the ground floor is home to Hoppa!, a minimalist modern cask ale bar with 45 locally brewed beers available to share or take home in personalised "growlers". Knock three times to enter the back room speakeasy, Apt., ("Ah-Pay-Tay") - a beautiful copper bar with a surgeon's lamp allowing the mixologists to work on the intricacies of the cocktails. A door takes you to a further "twisted living room" bar where you will find the ceiling and wooden floor, complete with Persian rug, quirkily swap places with the walls; the artwork hangs on the ceiling and the drinks cabinet stands on its side. The highlight though is upstairs in the old theatre hall; Supperclub is a restaurant, gallery, bar and nightclub all rolled into one room. You enjoy a five course meal on bright white sofa beds whilst being entertained by wall-to-wall video images and risque dancers (not for the faint-hearted) before the DJs take over with r'n'b. electronic, techno and deep house. Open Sunday to Wednesday until 02:00, Thursday, Friday & Saturday until 05:00. Entrance for club nights €10 to €15+

Forget all the speakeasies and secret bars in Amsterdam, this is surely the city's best kept secret. A discreet entrance at Vondelstraat 140, next to the Vondelpark, gives access to one of the most beautiful riding schools in Europe. "The Dutch Riding School" is the oldest school in the Netherlands, dating back as far as 1744. The stunning grand old building, built in 1882, houses not just a modern riding school, where everyone is welcome, but also a magnificent bar from which you can observe the main Rijbaan (arena) below. Even if you're not visiting for riding lessons, then you should still visit for drinks in one of the most magnificent settings in town. Look out for the regular Vondelcarrousel side saddle demonstrations with riders in period costume. Open until 17:00 daily, entrance fee to the museum costs €8 and includes a free tea or coffee.

Recognised as being one of the best cocktail bars in the world, this classy Prohibition-era style speakeasy is hidden behind a dark green door on Reguliersdwarsstraat. You'll need to make a reservation on the same day (here) and then ring the doorbell to gain access. Timo Janse leads a team of talented mixologists who create some of the finest drinks in the Netherlands, with the short seasonal menu, which changes every three months, displayed on the wall. Cocktail workshops available. Open daily until 03:00 (04:00 Friday & Saturday). No phones or other "slave tools" allowed.

Dating back to 1650, this historic "proeflokaal" tasting room has kept many traditions to this day, including green window shutters closed at 20:30, sand on the floor (as it was easier to clean away the chewing tobacco spat on the floor by sailors), and the custom of bowing, hands behind back, for the first sip of your drink. Home to the Henry Bootz distillery between 1816 and 1910, and bought from his family by Bols in 1956, this is one of the best bars in Amsterdam to try the local liqueurs and jenevers, which are served from oak barrels. A collection of hand-painted "kalkoentjes" bottles display portraits of former mayors. Only open until 20:30 (19:00 Sunday).

The oldest (although not the first) gay bar in Amsterdam, "The Little Basket" dates back to 1927 when 25 year old lesbian and well-known herring seller, Bet van Beeren, bought it from her uncle. At a time when homosexuality was not commonly accepted, Bet was a pioneer in human rights and the bar openly welcomed gays and lesbians to mingle with the sailors and locals who also frequented the tiny bar. In fear of having her liquor license removed because of vice-laws, she didn't allow kissing in the bar and, following WWII, she would turn on the light inside a porcelain owl to warn customers that a person suspected to be vice-police had entered the room. Today, because of this custom, the term “een uil” (owl) is used by Dutch to mean gay. Following her death in 1967, Bet's sister Greet took over running of the bar until hard drug problems in the area forced the bar to close in 1982, remaining untouched - almost like a private museum - for 26 years. Greet's dying request was granted by her niece, Diana, when the bar was re-opened in 2007 with the inside remaining exactly the same as it did in the days of Bet and Greet, with an enormous collection of souvenirs including cut-off men’s ties hanging from the ceiling, underwear and many photos, spanning more than 85 years. Open until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Monday.

Opposite the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and the famous Amsterdam sign, you will find the world’s largest cocktail museum. Celebrating Lucas Bols - the oldest distilled spirit brand in the world, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575 - this fantastic interactive experience takes you into the glamorous world of cocktails, liqueurs, bartending and the famous Dutch spirit Genever. You will discover all 38 Bols liqueurs and how they are made, including Bols Genever, the Grandfather of all gins and Holland's rediscovered spirit, which dates back to 1820. The hour long self-guided tour ends in the Mirror Bar, where bartenders mix your preferred Bols Genever and liqueur cocktail. You can also book private Genever tastings, cocktail workshops and even a cocktail canal cruise. Over 18s only. Last entry at 18:30 daily (21:00 on Friday and Saturday), with the bar closing an hour later.

Opened in October 2015 on the sixth floor of the new W Hotel Amsterdam, this designer rooftop bar with unparalleled 360-degree views offers a close up look of some of the city's main attractions including the Royal Palace and De Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square directly below. Located in the building which previously housed the Royal Dutch Post Building, copper pipes pay tribute to the old telephone exchange wires. Attracting a beautiful crowd, there's an extensive cocktail menu and DJs providing a backdrop of the latest sounds; this really is the hottest place to see and be seen in Amsterdam. Open daily until 01:00 (02:00 Friday & Saturday).

The tasting room of the original A. van Wees Distilleerderij De Ooievaaris is one of the most beautiful and authentic in Amsterdam, dating back to 1782. Entering the small room, underneath the figurehead of Admiral Nelson, you can drink over 60 traditional Dutch liqueurs and 16 of the best jenevers, all from the family ran Van Wees distillery, produced from original recipes in authentic pot stills, dating from the 18th century. Oak and copper throughout, even the toilet is located inside a 10,000 litre oak barrel. Open until Midnight. Closed Sundays.

Inextricably linked to the history of Amsterdam, this stunning grand café was built in 1902 as part of Hotel American on the vibrant Leidseplein and was furnished to the then very modern Art Nouveau style with Amsterdam architect Willem Kromhout bringing the atmosphere of Brussels and Paris to the Netherlands. It worked like a magnet for writers and artists with author Harry Mulisch visiting daily. His classic 1992 book "The Discovery of Heaven" has been described as the greatest Dutch book ever written, and the reading table at the window overlooking the De la Mar Theater, now bears his name. Popular for Afternoon Teas and the Jazz Brunch on the first Sunday of every month. They even offer wine, whiskey and cheese tastings. Open daily until 22:30.

Popularly known as "Het Doktertje" (The Doctors and Nurses), was opened in 1798 as a proeflokaal tasting room by a surgeon of the Binnengasthuis hospital and ran ever since by the Beems family (currently the sixth generation). Barely 18m² and uniquely decorated with antiques, vintage lamps, a birdcage and a dusty old doctor's bag, classic jazz provides the soundtrack for the handful of guests. Open until 01:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.

The award winning roof-top lounge bar of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel might be the most expensive bar in town, however it offers one of the best views of Amsterdam with a panoramic view 365 days a year. During the day, you can enjoy the sun on the rooftop terrace whilst every evening, DJs and cocktail shakers mix the perfect atmosphere transforming the stylish venue into an energetic lounge club. Open daily from 11:00 until 01:00 (03:00 weekends).

One of the most distinctive pubs in Amsterdam, the interior, with its authentic casks, exudes an atmosphere as if time has stood still for more than a century. Dating back to 1735 and owned by the Oosterling family since 1877, who originally bought it as a branch of their distillery. There's still a liquor store on site selling their own distils, including the recommended Jonge Jenever and Oude Genever. A large choice of beers is dominated by the Dutch Brand brewery. Open until 01:00 Wednesday to Saturday (earlier Sunday to Tuesday).

This tiny bar can be found in one of the most picturesque spots on the famous canals of Amsterdam. The little building, built in 1695 as the home of the sluice master, leans more than the tower of Pisa and was the subject of a painting by Rembrandt, who lived in the house opposite. One of the only buildings in the old "Jewish Corner" to survive WWII, today a popular terrace offers great summertime drinking with fantastic views down the canal. Open until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday; 19:30 Sunday).

Located on perhaps the prettiest spot in Amsterdam since 1642, this cosy traditional ''bruine kroeg'' (brown bar) can be found on the corner of Prinsengracht and the picturesque Brouwersgracht. With no music, the atmosphere comes from the many guests who flock here for the famous postcard view, different local ales and typical Amsterdam liquors, including those from the famous Van Wees Distillery. The wooden interior with its Delft blue tiles has hardly changed over the years and still includes an old escape route for the "Paaps" (catholics) to "Papists' Island" (which the bar is named after), a secret Catholic church on the opposite side of the canal during the Reformation. Ask the bar staff to show you the entrance at the top of the stairs. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

From 1941-2011 over 1200 employees of Shell used to work at this stunning site, just across 3 minutes across the water from Central Station on the 24 hour free ferry. Now, thanks to a collaboration between various creative groups, the venue plays host to the large THT Cafe/Restaurant (in the former staff canteen), with its popular summer terrace and garden, Paradiso Noord concert venue and club space, Stichting Tolhuistuin theatre, Framer Framed exhibition space, SLAA literary club and Solid Ground Movement hip hop school. There's events almost everyday, with many big name acts [click here for line up].

Fancy sailing around modern Amsterdam whilst eating as many traditional Dutch pancakes as you can and drinking tap beers? Well, the "Pancake Boat" makes that possible. Catch the free ferry from the jetty behind the Central Station to the NDSM shipyard, from where the cruise departs four times a day, lasting 75 minutes, there's also a late night cruise on the second Saturday of every month. €20+ ticket cost. Cash only on board though.

This chic cocktail bar inside the Neo-Gothic 5 Star Conservatorium Hotel, a former music conservatory opposite the Van Gogh Museum, is an elegant yet casual haven in which to enjoy Champagnes, exclusive cocktails, signature Gin & Tonics and Japanese Sake. With over 30 kinds of gin and more than six different tonics, this is the ideal place to enjoy a G&T with the huge windows filling the room with light, showcasing the stunning transparent bar and folded steel staircase. DJs play Thursday to Saturdays and they run regular G&T Academies. 16-21 year olds must be with adult in the evening. Open daily until 01:00 (02:00 Friday & Saturday).

You'd be forgiven for missing out on the grandeur of the monumental "1st Class" grand-café inside Amsterdam Central Station, as the bright modern facade disguises what lies within. This hidden gem at platform 2B is split into various ornate rooms, dating back to 1881 and designed by Holland's most famous architect, Pierre Cuypers. Previously the station's old waiting rooms, they have been lovingly restored and provide the perfect welcome or farewell to the city with locally distilled jenevers, Dutch beers and food served all day. Visit between 17:00 and 19:00 to get two beers or wines for the price of one. Open daily until 23:00 - train tickets not required.

In 1937, NDSM was the largest shipbuilding company in the world, sadly falling on hard times and closing down in 1984, The former shipyard has now been redeveloped as a creative hub, just 10 minutes across the water on the free ferry from behind Central Station. It is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam with the former buildings now housing bars and restaurants. Even the shipbuilding crane has been rebuilt as a hotel. As well as Pllek, with its beach and club nights (below), you will find "Northern Lights", a culture cafe located in a greenhouse on the waterfront with a popular summer terrace and bonfire to keeps you warm in the evening. Locals flock here for the free jazz concerts and DJs every weekend, whilst one of Europe's largest flea markets takes place every Saturday morning with over 500 stalls. Open until 01:00 during the week and 03:00 at weekends.

"The Golden Unicorn" is an oasis of calm in Amsterdam. Hidden amongst cherry blossom trees, it consists of a vibrant restaurant, a cozy café and a cute little lodge located in an old farmhouse that dates back to 1702. Found on a green in the city centre, there is a large beer garden where you can relax over tasty ales, or, if you prefer, drink in the old cowshed.

Opened in January 2016 for a five year stint, this is the place to go clubbing in Amsterdam if you want a sense of nostalgia. Located in a disused technical school, there's a restaurant, cafe, gym and, in the pupils' old bike shed, a 500 capacity club from the team who used to be behind the famous Trouw club. With a a 24 hour license and events on every day, you can party right through to the next morning and dine in the old school buildings. Ironically, given its location, you must be over 21 to enter and, like all schools, there's plenty of rules to obey; no groups allowed, no photographs, no phones on the dancefloor, no suits, no uniforms and no shirts.

HPS is recognised by many as the best cocktail bar in Amsterdam. Husband and wife team Guillermo Gonzalez and Vera Magagnini serve up beautiful drinks in beautiful surroundings, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday)

Upstairs in the Damrak street branch of this popular cheese shop from the Westland Kaasspecialiteiten company, you will find a tasting room where you can experience five unique Dutch cheeses in a one hour tasting session. Matched with either specially selected wines or beers from the local t’IJ brewery that best complement each cheese. Sessions daily at 14:00 and 16:00. Pre-booking necessary (here).

Stand across the street and take a look at the stunning historic building that houses "In The Monkeys" on the edge of Amsterdam's Red Light District and you will notice that it is one of only two remaining buildings in the city to be entirely made of wood. Dating back to 1475 when it was a house, it later became a guest house in 1519 for sailors of the Dutch East India Company, one of which is said to have paid his bill with an ape he brought back from his travels, giving the bar its name when it became a "bruine kroeg" in the 1600s. Candle lit and decorated throughout with monkey ornaments, classic jazz provides the soundtrack to a nice array of Dutch beers and jenevers. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 at weekends)

The Amsterdam branch of the Belgian beer temple can be found next to Central Station. With the biggest selection in town, on the waterside terrace, you can taste almost any kind of beer you like including many Dutch, with over 720 different labels to choose from - not as many as the 3200 or so in Brussels, but enough to keep you busy nonetheless. Open until 01:00 daily (02:00 at weekends)

Having brewed craft ales at their Café Kostverloren burger bar in the De Pijp district, this Amsterdam brewer became so popular with the locals, they had to open a second, much larger branch across town, in September 2015, located inside one of the beautiful Dutch Neo Renaissance style factory buildings in the vibrant Westergasfabriek culture park (see Mossel & Gin, above). Alongside their wide array of lagers, weizens, I.P.As, porters and ales they also distil their own Troost Gin, which is actually made from beer. Every Saturday at 16:00, for €6+, you can join the 20 minute brewery tour where you’ll learn all about the brewing process, and get to try several beers, with a bottle of beer to take home. There's live jazz every Wednesday and Open until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Monday.

Named after James Bond's famous drink in Casino Royale - which is obviously their signature drink and was said to be invented by Ian Fleming in Dukes Bar, London - this intimate boutique cocktail bar can be found between the trendy Haarlemmerdijk shopping district and the picturesque Brouwersgracht street. With a large variety of great wines, beers and an extensive menu, the award-winning team mix up arguably the best cocktails in Amsterdam and will teach you the skills with their cocktail workshop. Open until 01:00 (03:00 on Friday and Saturday). Closed Sunday and Monday. Bookings not taken.

If you fancy great cocktails with fantastic views over Amsterdam, then head to this stylish Champagne and cocktail bar on the 23rd floor of the 5 Star Hotel Okura in the De Pijp neighbourhood. Bar snacks, such as oysters and the 'Rossini burger' with wagyu and goose liver, are prepared in the adjoining 2 Star Michelin Ciel Bleu Restaurant. Open until 01:00 daily (02:00 Friday & Saturday).

This beautiful cafe bar in the picturesque Jordaan district of Amsterdam opened in 1978 in the premises of Peter Hoppe's liqueur distillery. Dating back to 1780, it was famous for producing one of the most famous Dutch genevers, Gin Hoppe, which became so popular he had to move to larger premises in Schiedam. The bar retains many original features such as the stunning gin pump, a spiral staircase and the stained-glass windows, made around 1900. There's an excellent wine list, seven special beers on tap, canalside seating and, of course, the famous Hoppe Jonge Jenever.

Beer lovers should head out of town to this craft ale cafe made from shipping containers, next to Sloterdijk station (just 6 minutes train journey from Amsterdam Centraal). Transforming a grey square to a green garden, all the furniture is made entirely from recycled materials whilst indoor climbing plants grow alongside forest-cut trees. Specialising in craft beers, including their own Nordman ale, there is a great choice of small local brewers including the tasty Gulpener. The food is all sourced from local farms, waste is recycled in the garden and DJs play at weekends. Open until 01:00 daily.

This beautiful cocktail bar can be found close to many of Amsterdam's museums in a gorgeous Dutch new-Renaissance style 19th Century schoolhouse. Originally built in 1895 as a boys’ school ran by nuns, it is now home to a luxury hotel ran by the students of the Amsterdam Hotel Management School. The elegant lobby lounge bar and the attractive terrace, with its large olive trees, seem to be the city's best kept secret among the neighbours from the wealthy Zuid quarter. There's live jazz and High Teas every week too. A great spot for a break if you’re visiting the museums. Open until midnight every day (01:00 on Friday & Saturday).

You will find this secret bar inside a tiny burger restaurant disguised as a butcher's shop next to Amsterdam's most famous market, the Albert Cuyp Markt. If you've made a reservation for their "secret kitchen", you will be given a password which you need to quote at the fridge door at the back of the room. Once accepted, a hidden door slides back to reveal a dark intimate private room, where friendly bartenders and gorgeous hostesses serve up some of the best cocktails in town, together with a three course meal. Their burgers can be found at various locations around Amsterdam, with the concept set to be copied in Berlin and Ibiza soon. Open Wednesday to Saturday.

Over 40 years old, this celebrated whisky bar in Amsterdam, from expert Léon Elshoff, boasts over 1800 bottles with an onus on Scotch alongside five of their own homemade varieties. There's a choice of themed tastings and whisky flights available. An absolute must visit for whisky drinkers. Open until 03:00 daily (04:00 on Friday and Saturday).

Dating back to 1618, this historic brown cafe with its resident pianist offers around 200 different liquors and bitters, specialising in unique jenevers - with over 65 Dutch and Belgian varieties to choose from, many matured in oak vats. Built on the site of the city's stone city gates, the Sint Olofspoort was built in 1341 and named after the Norwegian Saint Olof as a tribute to the Norwegian seafarers who transported trees to be used as the foundation supports for the city of Amsterdam. When the city walls were demolished in 1618, the current building was designed by famous Dutch architect Hendrik de Keyser and served as a bakery before becoming a bar many centuries later. Since 1918 it has belonged to the Association Hendrik de Keyser and opened as a tasting house in 1988. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 at weekends)

Located just a short walk from the Central Station, "Hanneke's Tree" is an incredibly popular waterside bar all year around The beach hut style venue on the Oosterdok is made from salvaged and recycled products and resembles the ruin bars of Budapest or hipster bars of Berlin but seems to have a more universal appeal with students arriving by bicycle mixing with young professionals stepping off boats. The large tree lined terrace is packed in summer whilst curling, live music and a roaring fire keep it busy in winter. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

This modern bar with large windows and a canalside terrace is based on the outside of the Beleef Oostpoort shopping centre, a beautiful development inside an old huge gasworks. A large wine cooler dominates the room with a great wine list made up of over 100 Italian, French, Spanish, Austrian, Portuguese and Hungarian bins, 40 of which are available by the glass, alongside coffee and Mediterranean dishes. Open every day from breakfast until midnight (01:00 on Friday and Saturday). No cash, card only.

This fantastic wine bar and shop is located in the beautiful Westergasfabriek culture park (see Mossel & Gin, above). With 70 bottles, 15 available by the glass, you can enjoy in them in the historic former gas works building, on the terrace under the romantic tree, or buy them to take away and drink within the Westerpark. Alongside wine tasting classes, they even have a "wijnlab" where you blend your own wine. Open until midnight daily (02:00 Friday & Saturday).

Located inside an old distillery, this authentic pub serves 18 beers on draft with a further 250 different bottled ales and ciders, focusing mainly on Dutch and Belgian brewers, with a good offering of British, German and American beers too. Open until 01:00 (02:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Sundays

This stunning modern wine bar in the Jordaan district with its oak floor, walls and ceiling is decorated with a huge "wine library", an entire wall full of wine bottles. With over 270 wines to choose from, including Dutch wines, and 50 by the glass with a wine flight also available, there's also beautiful small plates to accompany them. Open until midnight (01:00 Friday & Saturday).

Dating back to 1670, this historic brown bar is located in a former jenever distillery. Split over two rooms, the oldest part, previously no.18 Spui square, is an official national monument with both the interior and exterior remaining unchanged throughout the centuries. Stained glass windows, sand on the floor and ancient jenever barrels keep the 17th Century Amsterdam vibe intact. In the early 1900's, a hotel and restaurant was incorporated into the business, next door at no.20, with a doorway linking the two in the 1930s. 'Sitting’ Hoppe at no.20 and ‘Standing’ Hoppe at No.18 remain to this very day, with the outside terrace proving equally busy. There's a good choice of local beers, dominated by the Amstel brewery, served by the ‘fluitje’ and ‘vaasje’, with plenty of jenevers to choose from in honour of the building's history. Open until 01:00 daily (02:00 at weekends)

A stone's throw yet seemingly a world away from the tourist targeted bars on Leidseplein, this stunning creative cocktail bar serves up some of the best drinks in town, created with homemade syrups and spirit infusions. The bar itself is shaped like a canal boat with stylish fittings and there's over 50 gins, 50 rums, 30 Bourbons and a great wine list. Chic dress code and over 23's only. Open until 03:00 daily (04:00 on Friday and Saturday).

This tiny tasting room in the Red Light District is one of the smallest in the Netherlands and dates back to 1782. "The Stork" offers fine jenevers, a wide range of old Dutch liqueurs from the Van Wees distillery, six different beers on tap and the local tradition of boiled eggs. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 at weekends)

This stunning first floor restaurant with an inviting ground floor lounge bar and summer outdoor terrace can be found on the famous Reguliersdwarsstraat "Pink Street". Eclectically chic surroundings including stuffed animals, comfy leather seats and a real fireplace have won it much admiration, including an Interior Design of the Year Award. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

Located inside the plush Hyatt Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht Hotel, with the iconic canal as a stunning backdrop, this beautiful cocktail bar offers a large variety of great wines, beers and an extensive hand-crafted cocktail list. Visit between 18:00 – 20:00 every day for Aperitivo, with complimentary bites. Open until 01:00 during the week and 02:00 at weekends.

With the blurry record keeping of the city's licensing department, it's hard to say which is the oldest pub in Amsterdam and there are many staking the claim. "The Grape" is one of them, with records showing a license granted in 1631 but tax was paid as far back as 1585 and the building dates back even further, to 1566. A popular drinking hole of the many sailors who would register here for the Dutch East India Company, naval hero Piet Hein wrote about it being his favourite cafe (to confuse historians even more, he died two years before it was granted a license). A typical "bruincafé", it was once a "likeurstokerij" (distillery) and there are still wooden barrels decorating the room to this day with a good choice of beers on tap.

This famous bar, opposite the Anne Frank Huis and Westerkerk, opened its doors in 1624 as a beerhouse, making it the oldest café in the picturesque Jordaan district. A claim made by many bars but this one being the most recognised. Up until 1638, the construction workers on the famous Westerkerk church were actually paid in the pub during the 18 years it took to build, with separate entrances for workers and masters. Apart from the pool table and historic decor, for most people, the highlight of the bar is perhaps the men's toilets, tucked underneath the stairs behind a door that looks more like an exit. The water tank and flush chain are actually inside the bar itself for you to pull much to the delight of the other guests. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

This specialised beer bar and shop next to Vondelpark opened in February 2015 with one goal in mind: to serve the best beers from all over the world in Amsterdam. With over 100 bottles and 40 beers on draft, all of which can be taken away in growlers (pressurised bottles) to be drank in the park or at home. Do a bar crawl of all their four bars, with a choice of 135 tap beers, to get a free T-Shirt. Start at Proeflokaal Arendsnest (above), walk to Beer Temple, on to Proeflokaal Jopen Amsterdam and finish at Craft & Draft. Open until midnight daily (02:00 on Friday & Saturday).

Located in the former NDSM shipyard (see Noorderlicht, above), "Place" is a waterfront bar made from old shipping containers, boasting a popular beach with live music and club nights. To get there, catch the free ferry from just behind Amsterdam Central Station (runs until midnight). Open until 01:00 during the week and 03:00 at weekends.

Affordable great cocktails, fantastic 7th floor views of Amsterdam and, at weekends, a popular nightclub open until 04:00; you will find it all inside the Volkshotel, located in the former 1960's headquarters of Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant in the lively De Pijp neighbourhood to the east of the city.

Dating back to 1880, this historic bodega, located on the site of the original Heineken brewery, can be found inside the Die Port van Cleve Hotel. The original features of the "Old Dutch Inn" remain; dark wooden furniture, Delft blue taps, and a large unique Delft blue tile fresco dating from 1887, showing a parade of children celebrating the triumphs of the emperor Maximilian, and which the bar now takes its name. It is the perfect place to try one of the traditional Amsterdam jenevers, with a Janever Tasting class available for groups of six or more. Open until midnight daily.

Located on one of the quaintest lanes in Amsterdam, just off Dam Square, this low-ceilinged Champagne and wine bar offers over 400 high quality wines, with 50 available by the glass, and 40 different Champagnes, including lesser known houses. Opt for one of the various flights of three different wines to sample different combinations or compare those of the same grape. Gourmet bites accompany the offering. Open daily until 01:00 (21:00 Sunday)

This microbrewery, shop and tasting room are located at the site of a former auction house in one of the oldest parts of the city. In 1300, beer was imported from Germany on wooden ships to this very quay which was later home to one of Amsterdam’s first breweries. Today, the brewery from former psychiatric worker Fer Kok employs more than 60 people with a history of mental illness. From just €8.50, you can take a tour of the brewery every day but Monday, on the hour, every hour (book here), starting in the shop and ending in the Proeflokaal brewpub on the adjacent street, where you get to sample the beers (also available without the tour).

A delight for any wine lover! This neighbourhood wine bar to the east of the city has a choice of almost 100 different wines, 20 or so by the glass and a selection of which are sold in their deli to take home. There's also a good choice of cocktails, Dutch spirits and local beers with Brouwerij 't IJ, Oedipus, Heineken and Amstel represented. Visit on the first Friday of the month, to enjoy oysters for just €1 each.

This stunning nightclub can be found inside a historic Port Authority building on the waterside at Amsterdam's Oostelijk harbour. With large windows and a balcony overlooking the warehouse like club, with its 1000 person capacity and large smoking room, the music changes nightly and covers everything from 70s and 80s to techno, house, and hardcore with live bands thrown in for good measure. Entrance fee from €10+. Open weekends 23:00 until 04:00 (some evens 05:00)

With 24 beers on tap, this simply decorated hipster magnet real ale bar can be found just across the canal from the Heineken Experience (above). Opened in November 2015, it boasts local beers Brouwerij de Prael, Maximus Brouwerij, Brouwerij 't IJ, Bruut Bier, Cinema Brewers, Brouwerij Zeeberg, Oedipus, Amsterdam Brewing Company, Brouwerij De Vriendschap, Two Chefs Brewing, Amsterdam Brewboys, Butcher's Tears, and of course, Heineken. Open until 01:00 every day (03:00 on Friday & Saturday).

Built on the spot where, in 1450 stood an ancient monastery for "fallen" women and prostitutes wishing to repent their sins, this microbrewery is named after "The Converted Sisters" who were also responsible for feeding their homemade beers and food to the militia of citizens who protected Amsterdam at the time. You can see the beautiful bronze beer vat and enjoy up to eleven beers on tap, with a Taster of the four homebrews available. Open until 01:00 daily, 02:00 Friday & Saturday, midnight Sunday and Monday.

Opened in 2013 by two New Zealand hipsters and relocated to bigger premises in September 2015, this barber shop and bar serves up quality Amsterdam roasted barista coffee alongside cask ales, cocktails, shaves, trims and gents haircuts. Open daily until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday). No haircuts Sunday.

"Porem" is Amsterdam slang for "face" and is an apt play on words ("pour 'em") for this creative cocktail bar, which was opened in April 2015 by Remco Babay, the former manager of Bar Feijoa (below). It's a stylish intimate speakeasy located behind an unmarked door at Number 17 Geldersekade, where you will need to ring the doorbell to enter (reservations recommended). Open until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Sunday.

This famous bar on the picturesque corner of Prinsengracht and Leidsegracht dates back to 1665 and still boasts the coloured stained-glass windows, a working beer pump from 1875, antique beer mugs, sand on the floor and a popular waterfront terrace. Even by non-Dutch standards, the oil lamp stained ceiling is uncomfortably low and held up by two original poles. The cafe, celebrated for its meatballs and Dutch beers, was made famous by the 1978 Rob De Nijs hit "De Pieper". Open until 01:00 (02:00 at weekends).

After years of closure, this "grand cafe" re-opened in 2011. Whilst it may only date back to the late 1980s, it is widely recognised as being one of the best cafes in the world, thanks to its street side terrace, large choice of Dutch beer and jenevers, not to mention the famous prawn croquettes and the best veal “bitterballs” in Amsterdam.

One of the most famous bars in Amsterdam, this glamorous modern cocktail lounge serves unique drinks in stunning Oriental surroundings which are inspired by Richard Mason's 1957 novel ‘The World of Suzie Wong' in which a young Englishman checks into the Nam Kok Hotel in Hong Kong, not realising that it is an unofficial brothel. The elegant surroundings evoke the eroticism of the Moulin Rouge with antique Chinese lamps, gold-braided leather and red velvet seats, bamboo plants, a mirrored ceiling and a rubber bar. The same owners are behind the equally impressive Jimmy Woo nightclub opposite. Open until 01:00 (03:00 on Friday & Saturday). Closed Monday & Tuesday.

This stylish cocktail bar, next to the Amstel hotel and only a stone’s throw away from theatre Carré and the Hermitage, is inspired by the 1920s Polish Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka. A modern interpretation of the Roaring Twenties, with live jazz music, nice food and a popular on street terrace.

Named after the tropical fruit, which appears in many of their drinks, this stylish cocktail bar can be found near the Pathé cinema on the popular Reguliersdwarsstraat "Pink Street". Arguably the oldest cocktail bar in Amsterdam, the decor is eclectic with the focus certainly on the drinks created by the team of multi-award winning mixologists. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 at weekends).

With over 50 types of gin and a great wine list, this neighbourhood G&T bar, cafe and restaurant is located on the square at Hugo de Grootplein, just a 10 minute stroll along the canal from the Anne Frank House. With a popular outside terrace, they even offer Gin & Tonic tasting sessions. Open daily until 01:00 (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

Opened in 2012, this crowd-funded bar in the Jordaan district offers a great place to experience a fantastic collection of single malt whiskies, fine wines, premium spirits, craft beers and classic cocktails. With the feel of a dimly lit classic jazz club it boasts comfy armchairs, dressed in velvet and wood, a vintage piano from 1935 and black and white photographs on the wall. Look out for their regular whisky tasting nights. Open from 18:00 until 01:00 everyday (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

Whilst part of the tourist-targeted chain of coffeeshops, this smoker's den on Leidseplein makes our list of best bars in Amsterdam primarily for the fact it is cheekily located inside the city's old police station, with the original "Politiebureau" sign still hanging above the door. Opened on April Fool's Day 1985, the joke is clearly on the lawmakers and it's one of the very few coffeeshops to also serve alcohol (in the upstairs cocktail bar). Full of large organised groups and the occasional celebrity, it offers ready rolled joints with the smoking room in the former cells. Open until 01:00 (03:00 on Friday and Saturday).

This tiny real ale bar was the first to import Belgian and foreign beers to Amsterdam when it opened in 1974 inside a 100 year old liqueur distillery, between Spuistraat and the Singel canal. With 14 different beers on tap, including Gollem's precious IPA and over 200 bottles, it may not have as big a selection as their other three branches which have since opened around town, but the intimate historic environment makes it our favourite. The other Gollem Cafes can be found at Daniel Stalpertstraat in Pijp (14 taps, 150 bottles) and at Amstelstraat near the Nationale Opera & Ballet (30 taps, 250 bottles). A further Gollem's Proeflokaal (tasting room) can be found at Overtoom near Vondelpark with 22 taps and 100 bottles. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 on Friday & Saturday).

Located near the famous Amsterdam flower market, this psychedelic coffeeshop in a beautiful building was made famous for the spaced- out/coded business meeting between George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Robbie Coltrane in the Ocean's Twelve movie. The connection with the movie is heavily celebrated with memorabilia, screenings and even a strand of marijuana named after it. Popular with tourists, they sell ready rolled joints and spacecake although you need to order a drink if you want to smoke. Look out for Bowie the cat.

Located at the crossroads of the main tourist attractions, this large two floor cafe bar is predictably always busy. With plenty of outside seating to choose from, either by the canalside or on the first floor terrace with their views across the River Amstel, it's a great place to grab a drink on warmer days whilst the large glass windows let in plenty of light during the winter. Open until 01:00 daily (02:00 Friday & Saturday).

In June 2015 Oedipus Brewing opened a quirky taproom at their crowd-funded young brewery on an industrial estate in Amsterdam Noord. With 12 rotating taps featuring their cheekily named craft brews alongside the occasional guest beer, each weekend a previously unreleased or sold-out beer is introduced. There's also live music, DJs and tasting events. Fancy a bottle of Salty Dick? Open Friday to Sunday until 21:00.

Located opposite the main station, this is yet another traditional "brown bar" that claims to be the oldest pub in Amsterdam. With the city's somewhat patchy record-keeping, it is certainly the oldest to be granted a license, back in 1606 when it was a guest house for sailors of the Dutch East-Indian Company (VOC). A thin layer of sand on the floor harks back to the time when the sailors used to spit out their chewing tobacco, whilst the friendly elderly barman will regale you with a tale or two as you sip on your Heineken or jenever.

This inviting ''bruine kroeg'' (brown bar), just across the water from the Rijksmuseum amongst the antique shops, is popular thanks to its romantic fireplace and large windows, which allow in more light than that at most cafes of its type. There's a limited choice of beers with Heineken, Amstel and Palm on tap alongside Belgian bottled beers. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & 02:00 Saturday).

Translated as "The English Ass" and also known as "De Pilsener Club", this local's brown bar is hidden down a tiny alleyway off Kalverstraat. It has hardly changed since opening in 1893 with peeling wallpaper, sand-covered floor and old bartenders working a tiny bar giving it an old Amsterdam charm. Open until 01:00 (02:00 Friday & Saturday). Closed Sunday.

This friendly ''bruine kroeg'' (brown bar) can be found on the postcard popular corner of Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht, possibly the prettiest place in Amsterdam. Until a fire destroyed the top floors in the 1960s, it has remained a café, reopening as a Chinese restaurant before reverting back to Café Smackzeil in the 1970s and later, in 1996, as Café Tabac in 1996. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday).

Close to the Anne Frank Huis, you will find the "Two Swans", which dates back to 1928. Karaoke, Motown nights and sing-a-longs with an accordionist give it a proper locals pub feel and it's always full with people just here to have a good time. Stag parties and large groups welcome. Open until 01:00 daily (03:00 Friday & Saturday)

Formerly known as "Dutch Flowers", in summer 2015 this pretty coffeeshop along the Singel Canal became the second branch of the popular 420 Café, near the station. Alongside Marijuana and Hash, there is a choice of pre-rolled joints, tobacco free reefers and chocolate and peanut butter space cakes, making it a friendly introduction to Amsterdam culture.